SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Ohio Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team concluded its trip to Puerto Rico on Wednesday, facing off against Saint Joseph's College of Maine at the Albergue Olympic Training Center in San Juan. The Battling Bishops bounced back from yesterday's defeat, taking down the Monks by a final of 15-8. 

OWU improves to 5-1 on the season, while Saint Joseph's drops to 1-3.

A Bishop penalty allowed Saint Joseph's to strike first, as the Monks found the back of the net less than three minutes into the contest. However, that would be the last time they held an advantage in the game, as the Red and Black responded with a six-goal run.

Emma Reynolds started the scoring spree just over a minute later, converting a pass from Riley Riordan to bring things all square at one. Lila Hall quickly put Ohio Wesleyan in front just 33 seconds later, netting the opening strike of what would ultimately be a career-best performance. Saint Joe's committed a penalty with just over nine minutes remaining in the quarter, which ultimately led to another goal from Reynolds. Sam Frary joined the party with a goal at the 7:50 mark to extend the lead to three. Frary continued to make an impact, as she set up Jackie Harper moments later for the Bishop's fifth consecutive goal. With 5:42 remaining in the first, Frary converted once again, capping off a commanding 6-0 run for Ohio Wesleyan. 

Saint Joseph's managed to find the net late in the first quarter and again early in the second, and the Monks looked to ignite a rally after cutting the deficit to 6-3. Reynolds put a stop to the momentum, finding the back of the net at the 6:34 mark to bolster the OWU advantage. Saint Joe's responded with a goal less than a minute later, but Frary and Brie Colangelo added two more for the Red and Black prior to halftime, making the score 9-4 at the break. 

Following the break, Hall took over the contest to secure the victory for Ohio Wesleyan. After Saint Joseph's managed a pair of goals, Hall responded with three of her own in the final five minutes. She scored with 4:55 remaining and added another at the 1:14 mark. Jules Kyle fired a strike to extend the lead to 12-6 moments later, before Hall converted on a late penalty with 41 seconds on the clock, notching her fourth of the game.

In the fourth quarter, Kyle found the back of the net once again to give the Bishops a comfortable 14-6 lead. Saint Joe's attempted to mount a late comeback, answering with a pair of quick goals separated by just 40 seconds. However, a combination of strong defense and an insurance goal from Tiffany Trinh slammed the door shut, securing a 15-8 victory for the Red and Black.

THE NUMBERS
The Battling Bishops outshot the Monks 40-25, including an 18-16 advantage in shots on goal. 

Ohio Wesleyan was 18-for-24 on clears, directly causing seven of Saint Joe's 18 turnovers and picking up 25 ground balls.

Lila Hall led the attack, scoring a career-high four goals, including a perfect 2-for-2 on free position shots. She finished with four points. 

Sam Frary was next with three goals and an assist for four points. Frary picked up two ground balls and caused one turnover. 

Emma Reynolds also finished with three goals–resulting in three points–two ground balls, and one draw control.

Jules Kyle had two goals for two points, one ground ball, and one draw control.

Tiffany Trinh scored once and tossed an assist for a total of two points. Trinh tallied four draw controls and two ground balls. 

Brie Colangelo also finished with one goal and one assist, giving her two points. 

On the defensive side, Abbie Grogan led the charge with seven draw controls, six ground balls, and two caused turnovers. Jaelyn Cooper recorded four ground balls and caused two turnovers. 

Freshman Morgan Leeper (4-1) got the start in the cage, playing the full 60 minutes to earn the win. Leeper made a career-best 10 saves. 

UP NEXT
The Battling Bishops return to action on Saturday, March 21st, as they welcome Transylvania to Selby Stadium for a 3 p.m. showdown.